Russia’s Foreign Ministry has called for de-escalation between Pakistan and the Taliban, urging both sides to address their differences through political, diplomatic and peaceful means.
Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova made the remarks at a press briefing, saying Moscow was prepared to take part in or mediate efforts aimed at reducing tensions and promoting long-term regional stability.
Zakharova said the growing strain between Pakistan and the Taliban was a concern not only for Russia but for the wider international community. She noted that Moscow stood with its regional partners in supporting dialogue.
Russia remains the only country to have formally recognised the Taliban.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi have previously called on Islamabad and the Taliban to continue talks, stressing that disputes should be resolved through diplomatic channels to safeguard regional security.
Moscow’s latest appeal follows the collapse of a third round of talks between Pakistan and the Taliban in Istanbul, which ended without progress.
Pakistan’s Defence Minister, Khawaja Asif, later said the negotiations had reached a complete deadlock and that no further talks were planned. He said the delegation’s return “empty-handed” suggested that even the mediators had lost confidence in the process.
Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid subsequently confirmed the failure of the Istanbul talks. In a post on X on 8 November, he said the discussions had “produced no result,” adding that the Taliban administration would not allow Afghan territory to be used against any other country.
